This tour includes a cyclo ride and visits to local food areas that may require stepping in and out of the vehicle and navigating less accessible spaces. It is not recommended for wheelchair users or guests with significant mobility limitations.
Meeting point: see photo below.
FULL ITINERARY
Morning - Port Pickup & Warmly Welcome
Be warmly welcomed by our driver and tour guide at the meeting point, then enjoy a comfortable transfer from the port to Hanoi. Upon arrival, begin your exploration of Vietnam’s elegant capital with a visit to the Temple of Literature. Built in 1070 as a tribute to Confucius, this is Vietnam’s first university, where tranquil courtyards, ancient trees, and traditional architecture create a peaceful atmosphere steeped in learning and history.
Continue to the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, once dubbed the “Hanoi Hilton” by American POWs. Here, discover moving stories from Vietnam’s wartime past, including the years former US presidential candidate John McCain spent in captivity.
Afternoon - Hanoi’s Culinary & Cultural Delights
Follow your guide into the vibrant heart of the Old Quarter for a culinary journey through Hanoi’s iconic flavors. We’ll weave through narrow alleys alive with sizzling woks, fragrant broths, and the chatter of locals enjoying their midday meal. Savor one main dish of your choice from these beloved specialties:
- Bún chả - smoky grilled pork served with fresh herbs and rice noodles, famously enjoyed by President Obama.
- Bánh cuốn - delicate steamed rice rolls with savory fillings.
- Phở - Vietnam’s legendary noodle soup, available with tender chicken or beef.
- Bún thang - a refined noodle soup with shredded chicken, egg, and pork cake.
- Bún riêu cua - tangy crab paste vermicelli soup bursting with fresh herbs.
After lunch, step into a cyclo for a leisurely ride through the French-inspired Old Quarter. Glide past St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the graceful Sunbeam Bridge leading to Jade Mountain Temple. Each turn reveals another layer of Hanoi’s charm, from tree-lined boulevards to the bustle of street markets.
Conclude your day with a relaxing coffee break at a café along the famous Train Street. Feel the thrill as the train passes just a few feet away, while you sip Hanoi’s signature drinks such as egg coffee or Bac Xiu (coffee with condensed milk). The aroma, the warmth of the cup, and the hum of the city around you make this a moment to remember.
Transfer back to Halong international cruise port in good time for your ship’s departure. This flavorful and culturally rich day is part of our carefully curated Hanoi shore excursions, proudly brought to you by Shore Excursions Asia. We look forward to sharing more memorable experiences with you.
Meal: Lunch and coffee
Note: Order of visits may vary depending on ship’s docking times, weather, and traffic.
Inclusions:
- English-Speaking-Guide (licensed)
- Chartered AC car/coach including high-way and parking fee
- Entrance fee, port fee and permits (if have)
- Local Lunch (Western/Indian/Vegan meals available upon request)
- Cyclo tour
- Bottled drinking water
Exclusions:
- Alcoholic drinks and other beverages at restaurants
- Tips for Guide and Driver
Richard –
This tour was a feast for both the eyes and the palate. We loved visiting the Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo Prison, but the highlight was tasting Hanoi’s street food. We tried fresh spring rolls, the famous pho, and several other local dishes, each one full of flavor.
Mary Sullivan –
We had such a memorable day exploring Hanoi through its history and food. The stops were well balanced, and the local specialties gave us a real taste of the city’s culture. The street food trail was safe, clean, and truly authentic. We came away full, happy, and enriched by the experience.